Daimler Ferret Restoration - Canadian Service

[chris vickery]

When I used to work for our plant we did a lot of stud welding.
Basically, the stud welder was a hand held trigger device with 3 protruding prongs
Which was the ground once placed firmly on the plate. In the center there were different changeable bushings which held both a weld stud and a flux ring depending on thread size.
When the trigger was pulled, current would flow through the stud to the steel plate for a predetermined time while the flux ring would shield and clean the area similar to how flux works on an ordinary welding rod.
As far as I know, the machines we had were made solely for this purpose. Perhaps some company makes an adapter to use an ordinary arc machine?
When I am on a field job, sometimes we need to replace studs we simply use a machined up stud which has been chamfered and arc weld in place. The only issue with this is the fact that we are talking large diameter of 1/2" plus.
I think I would opt for Robin's suggestion of tig welding smaller studs in place, at least this way you could at least obtain the correct filler rod to ensure a good clean weld. Alternatively, I suppose a couple quick hot tacks with a might setup and the correct wire and gas would also work.

[Neil Smith]

I've been distracted for the last few weeks, earning a living is getting in the way of my restoration

However, I have made some progress on the engine. It would not turn when removed but after some gentle persuasion with "Marvel Mystery Oil" and a lot of patience I have it turning over by hand and the compression in all cylinders is good. I thought I'd show you a picture of the engine test bed that I have made.

Now I've decided to use the switchboard and instrument cluster with the test bed. So the second picture is of the stand in which they will sit along with the batteries and fuel tank. My intention is to be able to run the complete unit out of the ferret so that I can test all the systems and address leaks prior to installation. Robin, you can see the engine lifting bar lying on top of the engine.